Question 1

What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent residence card?

Accepted Answer

A temporary residence card is issued for a defined period (usually 1–3 years) and permits residence and, depending on the purpose, work in Poland. A permanent residence card is indefinite and grants broader rights — close to those of a citizen, including access to the labour market without a separate work permit. You can apply for a permanent card after 5 years of legal stay on a temporary card (or earlier, e.g. as the spouse of a Polish citizen).

Question 2

How long does it take to process a residence card application?

Accepted Answer

Regional Governor's Offices have a statutory 60-day deadline, but in practice — especially in Warsaw — waiting times are often 3–6 months. It is advisable to submit your application at least 2–3 months before your current document expires. Submitting a complete application before expiry legalises your stay for the duration of the proceedings.

Question 3

What documents are needed for a temporary residence card application?

Accepted Answer

The basic set includes: completed application form, current biometric photos, valid passport, proof of current residence status (e.g. visa or previous card), proof of address (registration or rental agreement), and documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g. employer's letter, employment contract, or business registration documents). The exact list depends on the purpose of stay. Everlegal.pl will prepare a complete personalised checklist for your situation.

Question 4

What happens if a decision is not issued before my current card expires?

Accepted Answer

If you submitted a complete application before your previous permit expired, your stay in Poland is legal throughout the proceedings — until a decision is issued. The office will stamp your passport to confirm the legality of your stay.

Question 5

Can Ukrainian citizens apply for a residence card under general rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ukrainian citizens can apply for temporary and permanent residence cards on the same basis as other nationalities. Additionally — under the law of 5 March 2026 — the validity of existing residence cards and the legalisation of stay for those who have exhausted their visa-free period have been extended until 4 March 2027.

Question 6

What is the difference between an employer declaration and a work permit?

Accepted Answer

The employer declaration (notification procedure) is a fast-track option available for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Armenia. The employer registers the declaration at the District Employment Office (PUP) — processing time 1–7 days, fee PLN 400. The employee can start work from the date indicated in the declaration. A work permit (type A and others) is issued by the Regional Governor's Office and applies to all nationalities. Processing time is 1–4 months and the procedure is more formal. The choice of route depends on the employee's nationality, type of work, and planned employment period.

Question 7

Which nationalities can use the employer declaration procedure?

Accepted Answer

The declaration procedure is available for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Armenia. Under the law of 5 March 2026, the ability to employ Ukrainian citizens under this procedure has been extended until 5 March 2029.

Question 8

Can an employee start work before receiving a residence card?

Accepted Answer

Yes — provided they hold a valid residence document (visa or previous residence card) and a registered declaration or work permit. A residence card itself is not a condition for starting work — what matters is that the stay is legal and that work has been legalised before it begins.

Question 9

What are the penalties for employing a foreigner without legalisation?

Accepted Answer

Fines range from PLN 1,000 to PLN 50,000 per case of illegal employment. The National Labour Inspectorate can impose fines without prior warning during inspections. An employer may also be placed on a list of entities barred from using the simplified declaration procedure for several years.

Question 10

Can I engage a Ukrainian worker as a self-employed contractor (B2B)?

Accepted Answer

A Ukrainian citizen can run a business in Poland (sole trader or company) and issue invoices. However, if the cooperation has the characteristics of an employment relationship (fixed hours, single location, one client, no business risk), the Labour Inspectorate may challenge the arrangement. Everlegal.pl can advise on structuring the cooperation in compliance with the law.

Question 11

When can I apply for Polish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

The most common route is naturalisation after 3 years of continuous legal stay on a permanent residence card, or after 5 years of stay as the spouse of a Polish citizen. Accelerated routes are also possible — through recognition as a Polish citizen (e.g. Karta Polaka holders) or by presidential grant.

Question 12

What is the EU long-term resident card?

Accepted Answer

This is a permanent residence permit issued by Poland under EU regulations. It allows indefinite residence and work in Poland, and its holder can more easily obtain a residence permit in other EU countries. You can apply after 5 years of legal stay in Poland.

Question 13

Where do I submit a residence card application in Warsaw?

Accepted Answer

Applications are submitted at the Mazovian Governor's Office (MUW). Due to high demand, appointment slots should be booked several weeks in advance through the online booking system. Everlegal.pl can prepare complete documentation and accompany you to the appointment.

Question 14

How can I check the status of my residence card application?

Accepted Answer

The Mazovian Governor's Office provides an online case tracking system at muw.pl. You can also contact the office directly by phone or email, quoting your case number or application date. Everlegal.pl clients receive regular case status updates through our client system.

Question 15

Can I work while waiting for a decision on my residence card?

Accepted Answer

Yes — provided you submitted your application before your previous permit expired and have a stamp in your passport confirming the application. In this situation, your right to stay (and usually to work) continues on the previous conditions until a decision is issued.

Question 16

Do I need to be registered at an address to apply for a residence card?

Accepted Answer

There is no absolute requirement for formal address registration, but the office does require a Polish address. A rental agreement or a landlord's declaration of accommodation is usually sufficient. Lack of formal registration does not disqualify an application.

Question 17

How much does legalisation of residence and work cost?

Accepted Answer

Official fees depend on the type of document: temporary residence card — PLN 340–640 (decision) + PLN 100 (card); permanent card — PLN 640 + PLN 100; employer declaration — PLN 400; work permit type A — PLN 100–200. Sworn translation costs should be added if applicable. Everlegal.pl provides a quote after a free initial consultation.

Question 18

How does working with Everlegal.pl work?

Accepted Answer

The process is simple: (1) contact us by phone or via the website form, (2) free initial assessment of your situation and agreement on scope of services, (3) contract signing, (4) our team prepares all documentation, (5) we submit the application, (6) we monitor the case and communicate with the office on your behalf, (7) collection of the decision. You have access to your case status throughout the process.

Question 19

Does Everlegal.pl serve clients from outside Warsaw?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we serve clients from all over Poland. Documents can be prepared remotely, and where necessary we submit applications at the relevant Regional Governor's Office (the one with jurisdiction over the client's place of residence). Consultations are conducted by phone, email and video call.

Question 20

Does Everlegal.pl handle companies that employ many foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer B2B packages for employment agencies, manufacturing plants and other employers. We take over all legalisation paperwork for employees, monitor deadlines, and send renewal reminders. More information on the For Companies page.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

1Residence Card — Temporary and Permanent

2Work Permit and Employer Declaration

3Polish Citizenship and EU Long-Term Residence

4Documents, Procedures and Practical Questions

5Everlegal.pl — Services and Cooperation

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